What is a common use for a router in carpentry?

A router is commonly used in carpentry to shape and hollow out an area of wood. This tool is highly versatile, allowing carpenters to create decorative edges, grooves, and intricate designs in woodwork. The router utilizes various bits, which can be changed out depending on the desired shape or cut, enabling users to achieve precise designs that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of wood surfaces.

In contrast, driving nails into wood typically requires a hammer or nail gun, which serve a different function; sanding is performed with sanders, not routers; and measuring dimensions is done using measuring tools like tape measures or squares. Each of these tools has a specific purpose, making the router uniquely suited for shaping wood.